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Science News Archive December 2019


Page 1 of 36

Making blood on demand: How far have we come?

Researchers have made significant progress in generating functional hematopoietic stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Key findings include the role of transcription factors HOX and GATA proteins in regulating hematopoiesis, which may lead to breakthroughs in treating blood cancers and other disorders.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Genomics·DateDec 31, 2019

Combining neurologic and blood pressure drugs reduces breast tumor development in mice

Researchers found that combining valproic acid and hydralazine reversed some aspects of breast cancer in offspring of high-risk mice, but increased risk in those not fed a high fat diet during pregnancy. The study suggests potential implications for breast cancer risk in humans, particularly related to prenatal exposure to certain chem...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 30, 2019

Pharmacies leave customers hanging when it comes to disposing of antibiotics and opioids

A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that fewer than half of California pharmacies provided correct disposal instructions for antibiotics and opioids. Only 10% followed the FDA's recommended takeback programs. Improving disposal practices requires better education and expanded programs to ensure patient safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 2019

Life could have emerged from lakes with high phosphorus

A new study finds that certain lakes with high concentrations of phosphate could have supplied the key ingredient for life to emerge on early Earth. The discovery solves a long-standing problem in origin-of-life research and suggests that lakes with carbonate-rich waters may have played a crucial role in creating life.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

How cells learn to 'count'

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that specialized cells use a process more common in non-mammalian species to create hundreds of cilia, challenging the long-held assumption that deuterosomes play a central role. This discovery could lead to new treatments for cilia-related disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 30, 2019

Persistent organic pollutants in mother's blood linked to smaller fetal size

Researchers found that pregnant women exposed to persistent organic pollutants had slightly smaller fetuses than those who were not exposed. The study analyzed ultrasound scans and blood samples from over 2,200 pregnant women, finding a significant association between exposure to POPs and reduced fetal growth.

Individualized physical therapy reduces incontinence, pain in men after prostate surgery

A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that individualized physical therapy can effectively reduce urinary incontinence and pain in men after prostate surgery. The approach focuses on relaxing tight pelvic muscles rather than strengthening weak ones, leading to improved outcomes for 87% of patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalInternational Urology and Nephrology·DateDec 30, 2019